Welcome to Vietnam!

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(At Hoan Kiem Lake)

After six short days, I’ve already fallen in love with Vietnam. First of all, the people I work with are incredible. I feel truly fortunate to have joined such a supportive, smart and interesting team. Everyone has gone out of their way to make me feel at home, including my Vietnamese M&E counterpart – Duong – who has texted me every day to see how I’m doing and to ask whether or not I need anything.

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(Fishermen in West Lake)

And, one of my dearest friends from Peace Corps Jamaica, Mark Mathews, not only works at the US Embassy in Hanoi but also lives in my building! Needless to say, our reunion filled me with such joy. He and his lovely wife, Terri, took me out on the town and pointed out all the highlights in our neighborhood.

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(Dichotomy of urban and rural living)

And speaking of small worlds, another friend of mine (Karin) who had lived in Vietnam for years, has virtually introduced me to several of her friends prior to my arrival. As a result, I’m already feeling socially connected and have met the majority of the ex-pat community in a matter of days. This field of work always seems to attract fascinating people from all over the world. In fact, I’m relishing in evenings where we simply gather around the table and converse over good food and wine.

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(John – another person who lives in my building – buying flowers from a street vendor)

As an added bonus, each meal has been a culinary delight! USAID is located in the heart of Old Quarters with hundreds of restaurants within walking distance. Each day we’ve picked a different genre of cuisine, ordering a smorgasbord of dishes from Thailand, Vietnam, India, etc., to share. And to wash it down, freshly squeezed fruit juice! I’ve already indulged in my favorites: sour sop, passion fruit, mango, carrot and orange to name a few.

View overlooking Truc Bach Lake
(View from my apartment)

The only drawback of the city is the traffic. Unlike Malawi, which was so peaceful in every sense of the word, the pace here is literally frenetic. Crossing the street requires a big leap of faith. Basically, one needs a complete paradigm shift and lose all Western thought of traffic rules…because here, anything goes.

View from Skyline Towers
(And another view from my apartment)

Granted, there is a method to this madness. Ultimately, once you step out in traffic one needs to move at a steady pace forward and just have faith that traffic will dart around you. One’s natural reaction is to stop or to ‘go back’ to the curb – but that’s just asking for trouble. I’m finally getting a hang of crossing the street, but there’s no way in hell that I’d ever get behind the wheel! Fortunately, USAID provides a shuttle to and from work – primarily because it’s too dangerous for people to drive (at least within city limits).

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(More fishermen in West Lake)

This week has been all about orienting myself around my job, the city, and my apartment. Speaking of which, my housing is incredible! It’s a gorgeous 3-bedroom apartment that overlooks Truc Bach Lake (ironically, this is the same lake where John McCain’s A4 aircraft was shot down). Regardless, the views are gorgeous and the city feels alive!

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(Ancient pagodas are interspersed within city limits)

And today, I walked the 9-mile loop around West Lake. I’m simply blown away by the architecture, the plethora of great restaurants, markets, shopping centers and bars, and the frenzied pace of the city. Each day brings about new discoveries and places to explore. This city has so much to offer!

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(Another pagoda right around the corner from where I live)

Finally, Tet (or the Vietnamese New Year which lasts for seven days) is one of the most celebrated holidays in Vietnam. As such, the entire city shuts down and most people flee to the countryside to spend the holiday with family.

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(The famous footbridge to Ngoc Son Temple on Hoan Kiem Lake)

As a result, I have a week off during the month of February and have been invited to join a small group of people traveling to Burma. I immediately jumped on this opportunity and will spend ten days touring around Myanmar – hitting the highlights in Yangon (formerly Rangoon), Mandalay, Bagan and Inle Lake. I’m looking forward to traveling throughout Vietnam as well as its neighboring countries!

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(Are you noticing a theme…more fishermen on West Lake)

At this stage, I haven’t had an opportunity to take too many photos (I’ve only brought my camera out on one outing) – but hopefully that will change in time. After all, I’ve only been here six days.

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(There’s even an amusement park…ah, the entertainment is endless 🙂 )

As an aside, facebook is officially blocked in Vietnam – but I do have skype! Just keep in mind that I am +13 hours ahead of C.S.T. As always, my house is open to anyone who would like to visit…

Sending much love,
Amy

1 comment to Welcome to Vietnam!

  • Janna

    I am so glad you are blogging again – it will be exciting to keep up to date on your latest adventure…
    Sounds pretty great so far! Let me know if you need any monitoring and evaluation or project managerment people there!!!

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